Stoplight and rear illumination for automobiles



1929; e. F. ROBBl NS 1,73

STOPLIGH'I AND REAR ILLUMINATION FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed Jan. 10, 1925Patented Oct. 8, 1929 UNITED STATES FFICE GUY'F. ROBBINS, OF PORTLAND,OREGON STOPLIGHT AND REAR ILLUMINATION FOR AUTOMOBILES Application filedJanuary 10, 1925. Serial No. 1,570;

My invention relates to stop lights and rear illumination forautomobiles, in which a pivotally mounted lens is interposed between thelight and a stationarily mounted lens.

The objects of my invention are to furnish a comparatively simple andinexpensive mechanism which will emit rays of different colors asoccasion requires, and which can be operated either manually orautomatically. Other objects and advantages are to be found in theconstruction and arrangement of parts as will be described in thespecification and particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Iattain these objects with the mechanism illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing in which- Fig. 1 is an elevation of my combined stop light andrear illuminator.

Fig. 2 is a section through Fig. 1 along the line 2-2.

Fig. 3 is a section through Fig. 1 along the line 33.

5 Fig. 4 is a section through Fig. 1 along the line 44.

Fig. 5 is the wiring diagram.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughoutthe several views.

In a cylindrical casing 1, with enclosing end walls 2, is securelymounted the lens 3 of clear .glass. This lens should preferably have thesame curvature as the casing, although a plane lens may be used. Rigidlyattached to the wall of the casing, opposite this lens, is a reflector 4of suitable shape to throw the light through the lens 3. In the apex ofthe reflector 4 are two light bulbs 5 and 6 side by side in eitherhorizontal or vertical direction. Interposed between the lens 3 and theedge of the reflector 4 is another lens 7 preferably of red glass andcontaining the stop sign 8. The frame 9 in which this lens 7 is set hasat each end the arm 10 reaching back to the axis of the easing 1 androtatably mounted in the ends walls 2 of said casing by means of thepivots 11. Integrally attached to one of said arms 10 is anelectromagnetic core :12 adapted to enter a suitably shaped andpositioned sole- 7 noid 13 when the latter is energized. The other arm10 is provided with a pulley 14 which performs the function of a crank.A cable 15 extends from the pulley to the outside of the casing 1 sothat the lens 7 can be swung out of the way from a distance without thehelp of the solenoid. A suitable spring 16 around one of the pivots 11,and hooked at 17 and 18 to the end wall 2 and arm 10 respectivelyinsures thereturn of the red lens 7 to its normal position in front ofthe reflector 4 as soon as the tension of the cable 15 is relieved orthe solenoid 13 ceases to exert magnetic influences on the core 12.

The wiring can best be explained by means of Fig. 5. In order to displaythe red stop sign 8, the switch 19 is inserted in the circuit betweenthe bulb 5 and the battery 20; this switch is connected with the footbrake of the automobile to close automatically when the foot brake isapplied. In the circuit of the bulb 6 are inserted in series thesolenoid 13 and the switch 21; this switch should be mounted on theinstrument board and operated manually. Upon closing of this switch 21the core 12 is drawn into the solenoid 13, the red lens 7 is swung outof the wayinto the position indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 3, anda ray'of white light illuminates the roadway.

If the driver should happen to use his foot brake, yet desires toilluminate the background momentarily, he may pull at the cable 15,which also will efiect a displacement of the red lens 7. If an extrabright illumination is desired, both switches 19 and 21 maybe closed, sothat both bulbs 5 and 6 are lighted while the red lens 7 is out of theway. Having thus described my invention, it will be seen that my objectshave been accomplished and, although I have shown the pre ferred form ofconstruction, I reserve to myself the right to make minor changes,providing I do not violate the spirit and prin ciple of my invention.Especially should it be understood that this device is not restricted toautomobiles but may be used with boats, trains or even stationarily, infact, wherever a sending out of rays of different colors is necessary ordesirable, and such a use is therefore considered to fall within thescope and purview of my invention.

I claim:

A device of the character described, comprising a cylindrical casing, anarcuate lens stationarily mounted in the wall of the. casing, an arcuatesolenoid stationarily affixed within the casing, an arcuate lensoscillating within the casing, and a lens support for the oscillatinglens, said lens support being integrally combined with a solenoid coreand pivotally mounted at the .axis of the casing, said combined lenssupport and solenoid core being drawn toward one end of the solenoidwhen said solenoid is energized, the edge of the lens support resting onthe other end of the solenoid when said solenoid is de-energized.

Signed by me at Portland, Oregon, this 5th day of January, 1925.

G. F. ROBBINS.

